Pressured by mining dependents, BJP team to visit Delhi again

13 Nov 201806:03am IST

13 Nov 201806:03am IST

Team Herald

PANJIM: Under pressure from mining dependents, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation from Goa is likely to approach the Central government to expedite the process to resume iron ore mining operations, which have been shut for the last nine months rendering nearly a lakh of people jobless.

The news of the Centre’s rejection to issue an ordinance to restart iron ore activities has led to panic and frustration amongst mining dependents, who have sought a clarification from the BJP.

Speaking to media persons, Speaker Dr Pramod Sawant said that a delegation will visit Delhi soon to know the exact status of the file pertaining to the amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR). “We will be meeting all the concerned Ministers to expedite the process,” he said.

The Speaker clarified that the State never sought any ordinance but was firm on an amendment to the Act to ensure that there are no hurdles in future. Sawant also said that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has sent a reminder to the Centre.

Parrikar had written to Union Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar with regards to the MMDR amendment, stating, “We are hopeful that the amendment to the necessary provisions of MMDR Act will be introduced during the upcoming winter session of the Parliament.”

The State has sought amendment to MMDR Act in a bid to extend the life of the leases till 2037. The second renewals granted to 88 leases stand quashed by the Supreme Court.